Originally Posted by BlondeBomber

Those upgrades counted as J class for mileage earning, including LQM (not that it mattered then--no MM program, but at least all those upgrades have counted towards my 2 MM and will continue counting towards 3 MM). For a very brief time you could buy a pack of 8 upgrade certificates good system wide on any fare for $50/28000 miles? (they shut that one down very quickly)

A history of the headiest years of the program below. First couple of years were great for upgrades and other benefits. My favorite memory is back in 1983 flying to Europe in Connoisseur class (complimentary upgrades from full economy fare) and having Newfoundland Screech.

Seats have improved since the first Executive Class seats but food has definitely deteriorated.

Entertainment and screens have also improved.

I view it as a mixed bag and every flight is a new adventure--some positive, some more negative but still enjoy flying, mostly on Air Canada.

Read the changes and weep!


Loss of SE Benefits 1999-2010

Key Features of SE Benefits and Losses 1999-2010